Obituary Overview
Sadly Missed but Lovingly Remembered
Ronald Edward McKenzie of Airdrie, AB, beloved husband of 37 years to Joan, passed away October 10, 2018 at the Peter Lougheed Centre at the age of 67 years from pneumonia/complications relating to his long battle with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Ron will be lovingly remembered by his wife, and his sister Kathleen Vaillancourt (Ed) of San Francisco CA. He was a strong, loving father to his children: Christopher McKenzie (Tana) of Calgary AB, David Hutchinson (Amy) of Victoria BC, Joanne Cudmore (Matthew) of Duncan BC, and Deardra O’Brien (Kevin) of Calgary AB. He was a proud grandpa to his 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; along with many adopted family and friends in Alberta, Ontario and Mesachie Lake BC where he lived for 16 years, as well as his “brother” and long time friend Don Skeaff.
Ron was born in Sioux Lookout Ontario to Edward and Dorothy McKenzie (both deceased), and oldest brother to Kathleen and Richard. He believed in being the best person you could be, and demonstrated this through his actions. Ron was very proud to serve his country in the Canadian Air Force for 17 years as a Military Policeman with SIU. He was a member of the Mesachie Lake Volunteer Fire Department for 10 years, serving as their Administration Officer. He was a Past President of the Lake Cowichan Chamber of Commerce and had also served as an Alternate Director for Area F on the Cowichan Valley Regional District. He was a founding father of the Cowichan Valley Radio Society and a Chairman of the Trans Canada Trail Society for the trailhead to Lake Cowichan BC.
Ron had many passions in his life including golf, motorcycles, Cub Scouts of Canada, coaching and refereeing hockey, camping and travel – having visited Alaska on a cruise, as well as many trips to Mexico with family and friends. Ron enjoyed playing guitar and was an avid woodworker, building many pieces of furniture in the “Old Crankie Workshoppe”. He had a lifelong fascination with trains – most recently taking over the dining room table to build an N scale model train track.
Ron’s wishes were that there be no funeral service, however a Celebration of Life will take place in the summer of 2019. If so desired, memorial donations may be made in Ron’s name to the Arthritis Society, Canadian Lung Association or the charity of your choice.
Rest easy…we will miss you greatly! Please, raise a glass of scotch in his honour.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Ronald Edward McKenzie 2018..
Décès pour la Ville: Calgary, Province: Alberta
